The Black Care Experience Network Newsletter - April 2025 final
If you've received this as part of being a member of our Network, or if you've taken the time to download it, we want to Thank You for being a part of our story and legacy.
As you read we hope that you will be inspired and challenged to help play your part in making sure that Black Children and Young People remain connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through the Care System
Once read, if you have any comments or thoughts, please feel free to share them with us, by emailing us at office@thetransformedyou.co.uk
Also feel free to share any best practice with us, as together we join forces to continue to make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of Black Children and Young People in Care.
THE BLACK CARE EXPERIENCE
Who We Represent?
We represent Black Children and Young People in Care
Black we define as a Child and Young Person whose Ethnic Origin is either African, Caribbean including Mixed Race with African or Caribbean Heritage
The Care Experience, we define as being in Foster Care or in a Residential Children's Home
Our Why?
With research stating, all Children and Young People who enter the Care System must overcome challenges in order to achieve their potential, research also states that Black Children and Young People who enter the Care System, experience another layer of challenges that see:
them disconnected from their Culture, Identity and Heritage, which results in them not having a positive sense of themselves or their community them not prepared for the wider world of Racism and Discrimination
their Aspirations are not affirmed and championed
If these challenges are not overcome, our Black Children and Young People in Care will go on to have the poorest outcomes and life chances in comparison to any other ethnic group within Children’s Social Care.
Changing the Narrative
At The Black Care Experience™, our vision is to see that every Black Child and Young Person remains connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through the Children’s Social Care System, across the UK.
Our vision is to see improvements to the care, outcomes and life chances of our Black Children and Young People in Care. and experience this in the Care System, and
AN OPEN LETTE
From Our Heart to Yours
An Open Letter from the Founder Chair of The Black Care Experience
The Black Care Experienced, our Netw Charter Signatories, Allies, Support Funders, Donors, Friends and Followers
Growing up I remember being taught everything’ The proverb goes on to lis focus on where it says ‘a time to be sile
Over a period of time there have bee Black Care Experience With those con thoughts and seek guidance on the wa
With now being the time to speak I write to share the following.
We are The Black Care Experience
We are encouraged to see more organisations stepping into the arena of providing spaces and solutions for the black care experienced. However, it has come to our attention that some organisations are using identical or similar names to The Black Care Experience.
Given the potential for confusion regarding whether we are connected or associated with these third parties and their initiatives, we want to bring this to your attention and strongly encourage our funders, donors, and the wider community to conduct due diligence when engaging with third parties using a similar name or if you are contacted by someone claiming to work in partnership with or on behalf of The Black Care Experience or The Transformed You.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the integrity of our work.
If you have any concerns or require clarification, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
Additional Barriers to Overcome
Whilst Hair Care is not the sum total of the black child’s journey through the care system, we recently published a blog ‘Hair Care Initiatives for Black Children and Young People in Care’, which you can find in this Newsletter There you’ll see that it gives a voice to what we believe and our way forward in this aspect of the black care experienced hair care journey
I have often shared the view that a free box of hair care products (and skin care products) for a black child or young person in Care, sends an indirect yet direct message that black people all use the same hair and skin care products, which then creates additional barriers for those caring for the black child or young person who know the difference, and for the black child or young person, who themselves know there is a difference.
For example, white Foster Carers, who understand there is a difference, have reached out to The Black Care Experience seeking advice on who can help them understand and find the right products to care for the hair and skin of the black child or young person in their care.
And a Social Worker shared with us, that she wasn’t pleased when a Black Young Person told her that she wouldn’t be using the Hair Products that had been bought for her, because the Products were not suited to her hair.
When we asked for context, it transpired that the Social Worker hadn’t asked the Young Person about the Hair Products she needed, but had instead assumed that the Young Person would use the same hair products as her Colleague, because (in her eyes) they have the same hair type
With regards to free hair care days, whilst the gesture is to be applauded, our experience and research tells us that the way forward is for the Black Child and Young Person in Care to have access to Hair Care Professionals who are able to recommend appropriate hair products and hair styles after assessing the health of their hair and scalp This should then be followed up by regular and consistent visits to the Hair Salon or Barber to maintain the health of their hair and scalp.
Looking back at our history, 40 years ago, Black Children and Young People in Care voiced the issues they faced in this area and some who are now adults, continue to struggle to take care of their hair, scalp and skin.
40 years on, without these additional barriers, I do believe it is possible to see our Black Children and Young People in Care have hair care experiences that teach them how to style, care for and rock their crowns with confidence, as they journey through the care system and on into becoming adults.
Now that being said, let’s not focus on and tick the box of hair care, believing it is the only way to promote and meet the needs of Black Children and Young People in Care. There is so much more to us and there’s so much more do to.
Research for…Share your Stories for….Repeat
In the Children’s Social Care Sector, there seems to be a repeated cycle of Research for…or share your Stories for…
Year after year, charities, organisations or student researchers reach out to the Care Experienced Community to participate in a study which includes our stories and our views, with a promise of a call to Government to activate change to Policy, Systems and Structures.
But the promise of change doesn’t materialise, with the Report or Research seemingly shelved, and after a period of time another charity, organisation, student researcher comes along to ask the Care Experienced to participate, under the guise of a different project, campaign or research title
And whilst it’s great to see the Care Experience appear as part of Government Manifesto, the promise of change is yet to materialise as implemented and active, as Government focus on their to do list, which doesn’t seem to have Children’s Social Care featured in their top 10.
With this in mind, it’s the reason why the Care Experienced continue to set up our own Organisations to be the active campaigners and changemakers, our own safe pair of hands, hopeful that Government will catch up and support the work that has already begun
Too many times, The Black Care Experience have received these calls, emails, DM’s to participate in Research “from a different angle” with the caller almost wanting to cite themselves as the first to undertake ‘the title of their research’.
With this in mind, it’s the reason why The Black Care Experienced is set up to be active campaigners and changemakers, our own safe pair of hands, until the time is right for purposeful partnerships and collaborations. It’s the reason why The Black Care Experienced is set up to be active campaigners and changemakers, our own safe pair of hands, hopeful that Government will catch up and support the work that has already begun.
Now I share these behind-the-scenes challenges, not to cause any alarm, but to share insight and address the emerging beliefs that do not align with our values and mission.
I also write to highlight the importance of joining hands with one voice and a clear focus, to bring about the much-needed change to improve the care, outcomes and life chances of our black children and young people in Care.
In closing, this journey started 40+ years ago, and with our lived experience of the care system, our expertise and your continued support, I believe it won’t take another 40+ years to see the change we need to see, as long as we are united and on the same page
In Service, On Purpose
WHAT WE BELIEVE
What we BELIEVE at The Black Care Experience
It is our belief that every Black Child and Young Person within the Children’s Social Care System should remain connected to their Culture, Identity, and Heritage. This connection will foster a sense of belonging and contribute to enhancing their outcomes and life opportunities.
Black we define as a Child and Young Person whose Ethnic Origin is either African, Caribbean including Mixed Race with African or Caribbean Heritage
The Care Experience, we define as being in Foster Care or in a Residential Children's Home
We believe that all individuals working within the Children’s Social Care Sector, as our Corporate Parents, should participate in training to develop a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively raise Black Children and Young People in their Care.
We believe that organisations, commissioned to work directly with Children and Young People in Care, must engage in training to gain an understanding of what it means to be Black and In Care.
We believe that all Carers within Children’s Social Care (Foster Care and Residential Care), must engage in training to develop a comprehensive understanding of how to raise Black Children and Young People, before Black Children and Young People are placed in their Care.
We believe that all Carers of Black Children and Young People in Foster Care and Residential Care must participate in regular training to maintain and update their understanding of the experiences of being Black and In Care
We believe that Cultural Competence is not a training course, it is a lifestyle.
And There’s More! Click the Link Below:
What We Believe
THE BLACK CARE EXPERIENCE 2025 CONFERENCE
Do You See Us?!
On Saturday 15th February 2025, our Conference Delegates spent the day with us to gain insight and understanding of:
How Racism and Discrimination directly impacts of the lives of our Black Children and Young People in Care, and How with the right support in place, our Black Children and Young People in Care are able to achieve and succeed
To start the day Millie Kerr acknowledged that it is uncomfortable to talk about race, challenging us to understand that through this discomfort we’ll be able to learn and
ask ourselves and each what do we need to do to support our children, our young people and our communities better
From here Millie took us on a journey to understand what is racism, how our Black Children and Young People are often treated when they are seen through the lens of racism, and how this plays out in their lives.
Millie also encouraged us to give Black Children their Flowers by praising them to help build their confidence, to help them feel good about themselves and praising them so that they feel loved and cared for and can see that they are able to achieve their dreams and goals.
Sheree and Olivia, shared their experience of how they created a safe space for 16 young people, fostered across the UK, to talk openly about living with racism. This experience and the voices of the 16 are documented in their guide ‘Do You See Me?’, with Sheree and Olivia sharing that with the guide, the real work to bring about change at Five Rivers Child Care, begins now.
about how policy makers and legislators can help to make our lives as good as they possibly can be.
Baroness Lola Young, graced the stage and took us on whistle stop tour of her life in Care, painting visual pictures of how she was viewed and perceived, along with sharing her passion of being an avid reader wanting to learn about the world outside of the system of Care. Baroness also encouraged us not live out the negative beliefs of what we the Care Experienced are capable of, but to switch the narrative and think
Our three Care Experienced Panel members, Shimron, Vanessa and Sekia, bravely shared their care experiences, and inspired us with hope to believe that regardless of our circumstances we are enough, regardless of what happened in our past it does not define our entire future and that no matter where we begin in life, we have the power to write our own story.
This years Legacy Award was awarded to David Akinsanya; and for those who didn’t know David was one of the leading voices and trailblazers of the 1980’s Black and In Care Group.
Keep an eye on our Social Media Channels to see video footage of The Conference as soon as it’s released.
We look forward to seeing you at The Black Care Experience Conference 2026!
HAIR CARE INITIATIVES FOR BLACK CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE
Established through The Transformed You, The Black Care Experience was set up in 2020 to be an active voice for Black Children and Young People in Care.
Why us?
Because we are Black and Care Experienced
Because through our lived experience and engagement with the Children Social Care Sector, we see and understand the challenges faced by our Black Children and Young People who are placed in the Care System
Because in the 1980’s The Black and In Care Group (a powerful group of black children and young people in Care), used their lived experience and voice to influence the creation of the Children Act 1989 and the related Guidance, to include and place a legal duty on Local Authorities in relation to how Black Children should be cared for in the Care System.
Now whilst The Black Care Experience and The Black and In Care Group are 40 years apart, our Research, Reports and
Lived Experiences in the Care System are not dissimilar.
Our Reports & Research
The Black Care Experience Research and Report
The Black and In Care Report
Research states, all Children and Young People who enter the Care System must overcome challenges in order to achieve their potential.
However, research also states that Black Children and Young People who enter the Care System, experience another layer of challenges that see them disconnected from their Culture,
Identity and Heritage, which results in them not having a positive sense of who they are; they are not prepared for the wider world of Racism and Discrimination and experience this in the Care System; and their Aspirations are not affirmed and championed.
If these challenges are not overcome, our Black Children and Young People in Care will go on to have the poorest outcomes and life chances in comparison to any other ethnic group within Children’s Social Care
Armed with this information, The Black Care Experience are actively and steadily influencing change through Central and Local Government and through the Children’s Social Care Sector, to improve the care, outcomes and life chances of our Black Children and Young People.
Black we define as a Child and Young Person whose Ethnic Origin is either African, Caribbean including Mixed Race with African or Caribbean Heritage
The Care Experience we define as being in Foster Care or in a Residential Children's Home
Now with an understanding that there are many factors at play in the Black Care Experience Journey, one aspect we’d like to focus on is Hair Care. However, please note that as we
share insight in this area, in the words of India Irie (We) I am NOT my (our) Hair.
Being placed in Care, understand that there are issues concerning our Hair Care.
they got into care because the white workers did not know how to handle it….they are thought of as abnormal if they ask for hair oil etc because white children don’t have the same type of hair as the majority of black people ”
“The staff should be educated in how to look after hair and skin of children from different cultures to ensure that the correct hair and skin creams are given”
In the 2021 Black Care Experience Report it states:
“My white foster carer cut off my hair as she wasn’t sure as to how to maintain it and that really left me distraught to some extent I would always wear a hat and hated having to go into primary with my head shaved”
“The social worker of me and my siblings were frequently, changing and were often of a different culture and did not understand when I was explaining my needs were not being met”.
“My Foster Carer was Black, same culture but still did not quite know what to do with my hair. In fact Lool it all broke off On special occasions she would take me to the Black hairdressers which was nice, but usually Lool my hair was eat out- a whole mess So perhaps Afro-Caribbean Hair should be a course taught to all Foster carers regardless of race…”.
Whilst these are some of the accounts from the 1985 and 2021 Reports, to this day at The Black Care Experience we still hear and see these issues in real time.
So what is the answer to these issues, how can we help to improve the Hair Care Experience of our Black Children and Young People in Care?
Free of Charge Hair Care Days?
For us this is a short-term solution to a long-term issue. Consider this, once our hair is done, when will it be done again and will this also be free of charge?
Does this then mean that our hair will be done free of charge for the duration of our time in the Care System? (We are in Care up until the age of 18 and are considered to be Care Leavers at age 25).
Consider this, will our hair be done with our own hair or with extensions?
If with extensions, can we come back to the Hair Stylist or Braider to take them out and will this be free of charge?
A Box of Free Hair Care Products?
As a Community, we all have different natural curly, kinky, wavy, textured wavy hair that require hair products to match and suit the condition, health and style of our hair
As a Community, gone are the days where the majority believe and rely on a hair typing system to tell us what products we need.
We’re taking the time to educate ourselves by presenting our crowns to qualified hair stylists and trichologists who impart their knowledge, wisdom and experience on how we should care for our scalp and our hair, that see us leave their chairs armed with a hair care plan and products, tailored to meet the specific needs of our hair and scalp.
As a Community, if we see the need to do this for us, consider how much more is this needed for our Black Children and Young People in Care? In the Care System we can’t imagine that every white child will be given a bottle of Head and Shoulders Shampoo, Conditioner and the like, so why think that every black child in care uses the same hair care product (or skin care product)?
What to Do, Where to Go, Who to Trust, What to Believe
Too many times we’re hearing accounts of how braids with extensions have been installed tightly with the braider letting the Carer and the Black Child or Young Person know that they have to be installed this way to last longer, and that it’s ok for these braids to be kept in for up to 3 months.
We’re hearing accounts of how our Care Experienced Black Boys are having hair cuts that reposition their hairline and accounts of how our Care Experienced Black Girls have bald patches on their scalp and hair breakage that they hide under a hand me down wig, scarf or bonnet
We’re hearing accounts of how Foster Carers are being told that the Child’s or Young Person’s hair will need to be thinned out in order for the hair to be managed and maintained, along with us hearing accounts of Foster Carers sensing that they’ve been overpriced when they hear the cost of the Hairstyle plus the price of the list of products, they’re led to believe they need to purchase.
Now whilst there have been some accounts of good hair care experiences, the above leave willing Foster Carers unsure of what to do, where to go, who to trust and what to
believe, as they search for help to create good hair care experiences for the Black Children and Young People in their Care.
Our Hair Care Initiative in place from 2021 and ongoing
To be the change we want to see, we’re advocating for the costs of hair care (and skincare) to be taken into consideration and included in the Care Plan when a Black Child or Young Person is placed in Care
There are Foster Carers and Residential Children’s Homes who understand and have adopted this way forward, but we still have a way to go.
Via Our Directory, we’re signposting Local Authorities to Hair Care Specialists who are able to deliver
training to Foster Carers and Residential Home Staff on how to Care for the Black Childs’ and Young Persons’ Hair. They are also able to teach the Black Child and Young Person how to care for and love their hair
Now we often hear Foster Carers and Social Workers say that taking a black child or young person to have their hair done is expensive, and so to combat this mantra, there are hair stylists who are able to offer the first appointment free of charge and then charge 50% of the full price for future appointments.
Some hairstylists have a price list for children up to a certain age and some hairstylists will consider a budget to work with to make sure the child or young person’s hair is done and kept in a healthy state.
is we consider to be long term lutions to a long term issue.
The Children’s Social Care Sector have access to Our Directory, where we’ve listed Hair Stylists, Braiders and Barbers who are not only experienced in styling natural curly, kinky, wavy, textured, wavy hair, but they’re also able to detect and treat any issues with our hair and scalp, and provide guidance on the right products tailored to meet the needs and condition of our hair and scalp.
Listed on Our Directory
As part of our Hair Care Initiative we’re always on the lookout for Hair Stylists, Braiders and Barbers who are able to provide a service where the black child or young person can feel safe, affirmed and inspired by the conversations they may hear as they sit in your chair. We want our black and in care children and young people to not feel triggered at the thought of going to a Hair Salon or a Barbershop because of a traumatic hair care experience
We want those caring for our black children and young people in Care not to feel judged when they walk into your Salon or Barbershop with a child or young person that doesn’t look like them and not to feel judged because they don’t know what to do with the child or young person’s hair that may be matted, damaged or breaking.
truth and knowledge about why our hair care is important, and then teach Foster Carers and Residential Children’s Home Staff how, In a way that empowers them to Care after they leave your classroom
We’re on the lookout for Hair Stylists, Braiders and Barbers who are able to make their Care Experienced clients and Carers feel welcomed, seen heard and valued, because any negative experiences will have an impact on how the black child or young person’s hair will be or won’t be cared for going forward.
As part of our Hair Care Initiative, we’re also on the lookout for Hair Care Specialists who are able to skilfully and sensitively hold space to impart the
We’re on the lookout for Hair Care Specialists who are able to impart their wisdom and guidance into our black children and young people in Care and teach them how to care for their hair in a way that gives them a sense of pride.
If you’re in support of our cause and you believe YOU are what we’re looking for, send us your details.
Once received and reviewed and we’ll look to get you listed on Our Directory, to be part of the change we need to see for our Black Children and Young People in the Care System.
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?
When we’re placed in Care we’re either placed in:
Culturally Matched Foster Care
Cross Cultural Foster Care
Biracial Foster Care
Transracial Foster Care
By knowing the difference you’ll be able to help keep us connected to our Culture, Identity and Heritage.
Here’s a short breakdown about each of them .
Culturally Matched Foster Care
We’re placed with Foster Carers who have the same ethnicity as us. For example if my ethnic origin is Jamaican, my Foster Carers ethnicity will be Jamaican also.
Cross Cultural Foster Care
We’re placed with Foster Carers who are Black but don’t have the same ethnicity as us. For example if my ethnic origin is Jamaican, my Foster Carers ethnicity will be Ghanaian.
Bi Racial Foster Care
We’re placed with Foster Carers who have different ethnicities For example if my ethnic origin is Nigerian, one of my Foster Carers ethnicity will be Ghanaian and the other will be German.
Transracial Foster Care
We’re placed with Foster Carers who don’t have the same ethnicity as us. For example if my ethnic origin is Kenyan, my Foster Carers ethnicity will be White British
MY CULTURE CARE BOX
Connecting Black Children and Young People to their Culture and Heritage
Our research tells us that Black Children and Young People growing up in Children’s Social Care can feel disconnected from their Culture and Heritage, which has a knock-on effect on their Identity that relates to how they see themselves and how they see their community
That’s why we’ve created our My Culture Care Box™ with resources to help affirm their Identity, give them a sense of belonging and help our Black Children and Young People feel connected to their Culture and Heritage, they can be proud of.
Who is the My Culture Care Box™ for?
Our My Culture Care Box™ is designed for our Black Children and Young People In Children’s Social Care (Foster Care and Residential Children’s Homes) who are age 8 – 16.
We recommend that a My Culture Care Box™ is purchased by the Care Givers,
for the Black Child or Young Person who are directly in their Care.
What’s inside?
This Is For You (card) special message that tells the Black Child and Young Person know that they are SPECIAL, they are UNIQUE, they are LOVED and they are NOT alone Where Are You From?
My Natural Curly Kinky Wavy Textured Hair, Taking Care of My Hair
I AM 365 Affirmations for Children and Young People with Care Experience + Motivational Book Mark Get Yours Now
OUR HANDBOOKS
If you work in Children’s Social Care and are also Care Givers of Black Children and Young People in Children’s Social Care, these Handbooks are for you.
We bring these Handbooks to life in our Training (see page 20) and believe that adding these resources to your Toolkit, will empower you with the insight and knowledge you need to raise and care for Black Children and Young People in Children's Social Care.
Our Hair Care, Our Skin Care
Our Handbook will provide you with in depth insight from our Experts, on how to care for the Hair and Skin of Black Children and Young People in Children's Social Care.
We Are Not The Same
Our Handbook will provide you with the basic understanding of the 54 African Countries and the 34 Caribbean Countries from where the Black Children and Young People in your Care, may originate.
OUR TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY
At The Black Care Experience were passionate about supporting the ongoing professional development of the Children’s Social Care Sector Workforce.
Raising Black Children and Young People in Children’s Social Care Our Training
This Workshop Style Training Course has been designed by Black Care Experienced Professionals, to:
Provide you with insight into the History of The Black Care Experience
Give you guidance on how to support the Black Child or Young Person in your Care (through scenario based learning)
Equip you with practical skills on how to identify and meet the needs of the Black Child or Young Person in your Care, using the contents of the My Culture Care Box™
Who is this Training Course for?
If you work directly or indirectly with a black child or young person in care including Foster Carers, Residential
Children’s Care Home Staff Members, Social Workers, Designated Teachers and School Staff in Mainstream Schools and Pupil Referral Units and more. This course has been designed for you.
Consultation
Drawing on our lived experience and expertise, we will work with you to create consultancy package to help your service achieve its aims and objectives, to make a difference in the lives of black children and young people in your Care.
To find out more about our Bespoke Consultancy Package: click the ‘Learn more’ link below, Email us, or call us on +44 (0)203 128 7061. Book Your Place on Our Training
Learn More
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Every Little Helps
With Your Support we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our Black Children and Young People In Care across the UK
Ways to Support
There are so many ways you can show your support. You may want to:
Make a One Time Donation of any amount and spread the word about us to your Colleagues, Friends and Family
After you’ve listened to our track
“All I Need’ written and performed by Ric Flo ft Judith AM Denton or watched the Official Music Video, make a One Time Donation of any amount and then share the track with your Colleagues, Friends and Family
Make a One Time Donation of any amount in support of The Black Care Experience Conference 2026
Pay It Forward and purchase a My Culture Care Box ™ for a Black Child or Young Person in Care
Shop With Us and be A Part Of Our Village Partner with us and become a Monthly Donor of any amount and then spread the word about us to your Colleagues, Friends and Family
Nominate The Black Care Experience in your workplace as the Organisation of the Year that you’d like to support As a Business, become our Corporate Social Responsibility Partner
Host a Fundraising Event in your Office, School, Church or Community or with your Family or Friends
Take on a Challenge to raise funds for us. For example, your Challenge could be a Marathon or a Bike Ride
You can find more fundraising ideas and tips on our website Click the link below to support or to find out more:
Together We Can Make A Difference
WANT TO BE A PART OF CHANGE?
Sign up to Our Charter
We've created the Black Care Experience Charter to improve the care experience of black children and young people as they go through the care system.
The Charter is a declaration of support in the form of 8 commitments which Workforces within the Children Social Care Sector, can use as a Framework to improve their service, practice and policy, to see black children and young people stay connected to their culture, identity and heritage, and have an allround better care experience.
We currently have 13 signatories from across the Country ranging from City Councils, County Councils, Secure Children's Homes, Independent & National Fostering Agencies and Children's Social Care Sector Charities.
We meet once every 6 months at our Charter Roundtable to share best practice and learn how to be the change we need to see
Would you like to be a part of the change?
Click the link below to find out how you can help make a difference
